Maui Adventure Photography – Michelle & Gavin

I’ve never met an Australian that I didn’t like. There’s just something about Aussies!! Can you guess where these two are from 😉

Michelle & Gavin got married back home in Australia and decided to have a Hawaiian honeymoon. Maui’s about an 11-hour flight from Australia, so it’s not too bad. My husband and I got married here on Maui and honeymooned in New Zealand and the travel was so easy!

The two wanted a couples session that really showed a different side of Hawaii rather than just sandy beaches. This session really reminds me of something out of Jurrasic Park. Iao Valley is one of my favorite places on Maui. Maui’s nickname is “The Valley Isle” and Iao really shows why. I feel so small when I stand between the two valley’s that Iao is nestled between. It’s humbling, to say the least.

Once you enter the valley, you just feel at peace. Driving with the windows down, listening to nature outside, and smelling the fresh guava trees will always bring a smile to my face. When I think of Maui, that’s the feeling that comes to mind.

I love having photography sessions on the beach, but when my couples are wanting something different I get so excited. This is the side of Maui that a lot of tourists don’t get to see. If you’re visiting Maui, I urge you to go out and explore rather than staying at a resort the entire vacation. The island has so much to offer, you just gotta go looking for it!

Michelle & Gavin climbed down huge boulders to get down to the stream for the first part of our session. The boulders are about half as tall as your average man, so it does require a little bit of an adventurous spirit! I’m so thankful to get to work with couples that are up for anything. 

When Michelle & Gavin showed up in a big red Jeep, I knew we had to incorporate it into a few shots. I’m so glad they were up for running into the street for the jeep images!